The US Air Force was created as a separate and independent force in 1947, but its heritage goes back to the creation of the Aeronautical Division of the US Army Signal Corps in 1907. Since that time it became in turn the Army's Air Service, Air Corps and finally the US Army Air Forces, a semi-autonomous force that was, during World War II, the largest air force ever to exist. The story of the US Air Force since 1947 is the story of its Major Commands, all of whose designated missions add up to the total global mission of the USAF. The story of the US Air Force is also an account of the men who have commanded it and the men who have served it before and since 1947. In addition to the text are over a dozen important tables and lists. The author has also prepared over two dozen maps and charts, including historical data never before brought together in a single volume, all of which goes to make the present work the most comprehensive history of the US Air Force publicly available today. - Jacket flap.